Alleged Coup Plot: Presidency Warns Against Unsubstantiated Reports

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October 31, 2025

By Adesina Soyooye

Just as the Media is awash with many angles of an alleged aborted Coup Plot, the Nigerian Presidency has warned that the media reports alleging a military coup plot are hurting the Country’s economy and scaring potential foreign investors.

Bayo Onanuga, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy has emphasised that unverified reports about national security undermine investor- confidence and damage the country’s image globally.

Onanuga, speaking during an interview on Arise News’ Prime Time on Thursday night, October 30, noted:

“When a country is looking for investment and the media are shouting ‘coup attempt,’ it scares investors away.

“Stories like that can destroy the country’s reputation and economy. We need to wait for facts, evidence, not rumours.”

Onanuga, therefore, appealed to journalists and the general public to calm down and allow security agencies to conclude their investigations before pushing sensitive narratives.

Onanuga, of course, acknowledged that the military has confirmed the arrest of certain individuals but stressed that there is no credible evidence yet linking the development to a coup attempt.

“Leaping to conclusions before official confirmation portends grave consequences for the nation,” Onanuga warned.

He also condemned what he saw as a large appetite for sensationalism and online traffic, and stressed that not every piece of information is suitable for publication.

Onanuga: “Some media outlets ran with the story for clicks and attention. But as patriotic Nigerians, we must know that what we report has implications for our economy and stability.

“It’s true people don’t always trust government, that happens everywhere. But the media also have a social responsibility to be cautious and wait for facts.”

Onanuga’s warning follows reports that some military officers were planning to violently sack the democratic government of President Bola Tinubu.

However, the Defence Headquarters Spokesperson,

Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, said the arrests are internal disciplinary issues, and not signs of political interference.

The publications, the Military said, are “intended to cause unnecessary tension and distrust among the populace.”

Forged Certificates Of Kogi Poly In Circulation, Nine Suspects Under Investigation

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Ayodele Oni

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October 31, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Not less than 30 forged certificates of the Kogi State Polytechnic are now in circulation and this has prompted investigation of a syndicate of nine suspects including lecturers and students for alleged certificate racketeering and document falsification.

The Rector of the Polytechnic, Prof Salisu Ogbo, made this known while addressing a news conference on Friday in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

The rector said five of the institution’s staff members had already been placed on suspension, while four acclaimed students were arrested over certificate forgery and document falsification syndicate.

“Only recently, the management uncovered the syndicate involving some students, non-students, and a few dishonest staff members accused of manipulating academic records in clear disregard of due process and institutional values.

“We have discovered 30 forged original certificates reportedly sold out to prospective buyers.

“The suspects forged National Diploma (ND) results in the name of Kogi State Polytechnic and had the temerity to apply for Higher National Diploma (HND) admission in the same institution using the forged ND results,” he said.

According to him, the fraud was uncovered following intelligence reports and routine verification exercises carried out by the Admission, ICT, and Security Units of the institution.

“These individuals compromised our security arrangements and tampered with the security features on our Statements of Result.”

Ogbo said that they colluded with result processors to prepare results for individuals who had multiple carryovers, but refused to sit for their examinations, thereby falsely portraying them as graduates.

“Such criminal acts represent an assault on the credibility and reputation of our institution, and they cannot be allowed to go unpunished.”

The rector assured the general public, stakeholders, and the polytechnic community that the institution’s quality assurance measures and security mechanisms remain fully active and uncompromised.

”We will not relent in our effort to expose and eliminate all forms of misconduct that are capable of denting the hard-earned reputation of Kogi state Polytechnic, Lokoja.”

GTCO “Seeing Steady, Sustainable Growth”- Agbaje: Posts N901bn Q3 PBT

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 31, 2025

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The Group Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, GTCO Plc Segun Agbaje says the financial services company has witnessed sustained growth in all its banking and non-banking businesses due to disciplined and focus operational efficiency.

The Group’s chief executive made the assertion while commenting on the release of its Unaudited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements, for the third Quarter ending as September 30, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX and London Stock Exchange, LSE.

According to the statement, the Group posted Profit Before Tax, PBT of N900.8 billion while its total assets and shareholders’ funds closed at N16.7 trillion and N3.3 trillion, respectively.

In spite of its performance in all key metrics, Agbaje said the company remained focused in driving future growth through innovation, operational excellence and remained customer focused.

He said: “Our third quarter performance underscores the consistency and resilience of our business model, as well as the continued strength of our diversified financial services ecosystem. We are seeing steady, sustainable growth across our banking and non-banking businesses, supported by disciplined execution and a strong focus on operational efficiency. The improvements we have made to our digital and payments infrastructure are enhancing customer experience, deepening engagement, and driving greater integration across our ecosystem.

“Looking ahead, our focus remains on advancing our competitive edge through innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to superior customer outcomes.”

Further details provided in the statement indicate that the company’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, CAR remained strong closing at 36.5 percent, while Cost of Risk ,COR stood at 2.2 percent from 4.9 percent in December 2024.

Instructively, the Group’s loan book (net) grew by 16.5 percent from N2.79 trillion as of December 2024 to N3.24 trillion in September 2025, while deposit liabilities grew by 16 percent from N10.40 trillion to N12 trillion during the same period.

Meanwhile, analysts in the sector insist that the Group’s has shown resilience in the face of the economic headwinds, as it remains strong and very robust in a key metrics.

Ponzi Scheme Operators Defraud Nigerians Over N300bn- SEC

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 31, 2025

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The Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, says Nigerians often fall victims of Ponzi Schemes because of their quest to get rich as soon as possible.

As a result, some Nigerians have lost close to N316 billion to these fraud schemes over the years, even as lessons are hardly learned from them, SEC said during a training programme for journalists in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

According to AbdulRasheed Dan-Abu, the Head of FinTech and Innovation Department at the Commission, greed and ignorance have played a major role for Nigerians who lost their hard earned income to Ponzi Scheme operators, saying those who participate in the fraudulent investment were unaware that operators pay returns to old investors from money collected from new investors, saying it’s not a genuine investment.

“These schemes are not really doing anything. They are just collecting people’s money and using it to pay the initial investors. At some point, when there are no new investors, the whole thing crashes and the operators disappear,” he said.

“Everybody just wants to get rich today. That is actually what makes people fall into this trap,’ he noted. ‘Even the people who are greedy now are more educated than those who experienced Charles Ponzi’s first scheme. Education has not stopped greed.”

He explained that some Ponzi Scheme operators such as MMM and New Nation had cashed on the ignorance and greed of many Nigerians to defraud them.

In spite of their huge loss to these evil schemes, he stated that many Nigerians have yet to learn their lessons. In the case of New Nation, he explained over 155,000 rural women were defrauded.

“Even after MMM shut down, they came back and told people that if you pay a certain amount, you will get access to your lost money. People still paid. That shows you how greed blinds people.”

The magazine reported that after MMM collapsed last year, not a few Nigerians who lost money in the schemes committed suicide because they could not withstand the huge loss they suffered.

New COAS Shakes-up Army, Appoints Senior Officers to Strategic Commands and Staff Roles

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Adesina Soyooye

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October 31, 2025

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By Adesina Soyooye

Less than 24 hours after he was decorated with a new rank and sworn-in as the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has shaken-up the Army.

In the shake-up, the new Army Chief appointed senior officers to Strategic Commands and Staff roles.

The shake-up, of course, was expected as in an unwritten policy, all officers senior in rank and/or Course to the new COAS will retire.

The announcement was made of the shake-up was made in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Appolonia Anele, Acting Director of Army Public Relation.

The appointments, she noted, reflect the COAS’s commitment to reinvigorating leadership and enhancing professionalism within the ranks.

The newly appointed officers include: Major General Bamidele Alabi now serves as Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), while Major General Jamal Abdulsalam moves to the Defence Headquarters as Chief of Defence Operations. Major General Peter Mala has been appointed Commander, Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), and Major General Samson Jiya becomes Chief of Defence Accounts and Budget.

They, also, include Major General Mayirenso Saraso as Chief of Operations (Army), Major General Isa Abdullahi as Chief of Administration (Army), and Major General Musa Etsu-Ndagi as Chief of Civil-Military Affairs. Major General Abubakar Haruna assumes command at the Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC) Kontagora, while Major General Philip Ilodibia takes charge as Chief of Defence Space Administration.

At the Corps level, Major General Godwin Mutkut has been appointed Corps Commander Infantry, Major General Umar Abubakar as Commander Armour Corps, Major General John Adeyemo as Corps Commander Artillery, and Major General Mohammed Abdullahi as Corps Commander Signals.

In addition, Major General Taofik Sidick is now Chief of Accounts and Budget (Army), Major General Abdullahi Ibrahim becomes Corps Commander Ordnance, and Major General Adeyinka Adereti assumes command of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Major General Nansak Shagaya now leads the Corps of Supply and Transport, while Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed takes charge as Acting Corps Commander Education.

Other appointments are: Major General Oluyemi Olatoye named Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major General Emmanuel Mustapha as Commandant, Nigerian Army Signal School, and Major General Adamu Hassan as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Artillery. Brigadier General John Bulus was also appointed Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Finance and Accounts.

In the field, Major General Saidu Audu takes over as Force Commander, Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) N’Djamena; Major General Warrah Idris takes over command of the Joint Task Force North West OperationFANSAN YAMMA; and Major General Oluremi Fadairo becomes General Officer Commanding 82 Division and Commander, Joint Task Force South East OperationUDO KA.

Major General Olatokumbo Bello was appointed Director of Defence Media Operations, while Brigadier General Samaila Uba becomes Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters.

Customs Recruitment: Why Northern Lawmakers Are Angry With CGC Adeniyi

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 31, 2025

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The Kano State House of Assembly has cried out over the recent recruitment exercise by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS which it said did not favour the north. The recruitment is not only biased but also unfair to the region, the Assembly said during Plenary.

The allegation was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Kamaluddeen Sani Shawai after the lawmakers deliberated on the matter.

The Assembly reached the decision after a motion raised by the Majority Leader, Lawal Dala, who argued that the recruitment process lacked transparency and equity, saying the list showed a deliberate plan to shortchanged the north.

The NCS under the leadership of Adewale Adeniyi, its Comptroller General recently released the recruitment list of cadets into the Service, which apparently did not favour the North, a situation that’s now generating protest from the region which has dominated the Service for years.

The region has produced more CGC than other regions in the country, a situation which analysts say accounted for its dominance. The current CGC is from the south west Nigeria.

His predecessor, Col Hameed Ali (rtd) is from the north, and was in charge of the Service under the administration of the late Muhammadu Buhari.

Hameed’s predecessor, late Abdullahi Diko Inde also hailed from the region.

Instructively, analysts have cited the number of Area Controllers from the north as a pointer to its dominance of the Service, while others says officers from the region, until recently, are in charge of the “juicy Area Commands’ such as Apapa and Tin Can Area Commands in Lagos.

According to the Kano lawmakers, the recent recruitment exercise was fraught with nepotism and “regional imbalance,” maginalised the North and against the federal character.

The lawmakers cited that of the 1,785 cadet officers recruited, over 1,000 were from the South, while the North secured fewer than 540 slots., warning that the development is dangerous for national cohesion.

“This lopsidedness is not only disheartening but dangerous for national unity,” the lawmakers said.

The lawmakers also called on their colleagues in the National Assembly to join them in calling for the cancellation of the recruitment exercise which they said violated the nation’s Constitution.

Gov Adeleke: Tinubu Using Federal Power To Intimidate States

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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October 31, 2025

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Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has cautioned the federal government against the use of federal power to intimidate sub-nationals in the country. He said the national government should apply dialogue and allow rule of law to prevail in its engagement with state governments, to deepen the nation’s democracy.

The state’s helmsman spoke while delivering an address at the South West Summit organised by South West Development Commission in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

Represented at the event by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the governor stated that the state is willing to partner with the federal government so long it’s based on mutual respect, adding that a situation where the federal government will channel political appointments and infrastructure developments through party machinery threatens the relationship between nationals and sub-national.

For instance, he cited a situation where the state Local governments funds have been withheld for months by the federal government against a court ruling, saying federal security agencies have also refused to arrest APC members whenever they commit a crime, describing the situation as the “rule of the thumb.”

“A troubling dimension was introduced earlier this year when the rule of law was replaced with the rule of the thumb. The issue here relates to handling of the state Security and local government matters. It is trite in every democratic order that rule of law within the ambit of the constitution is the regulatory framework for wielding of state powers.

“In the case of Osun, federal power is being applied outside the regulation of the constitution as the public have known since the beginning of this year. Politicization of federal power application poses serious threats to peaceful and productive Intergovernmental relations.

“It would interest the audience to know that in Osun state ,some security agencies openly protect and defend ruling party operatives even when they act in ways and manners against the law and the constitution. In Osun today, federal party officials boast of powers to deploy security apparatus to witch-hunt state officials. On many occasions, officials of the federal ruling party have openly declared their readiness to hijack the state whether the people voted for them or not. Worst still, they have security cover when making such provocative declarations.

“As if that is not enough, the Osun local government fund was seized without any court order from earlier this year. Duly elected local government officials were not allowed to assume office and those sacked by a subsisting court order were forced on the local government secretariats by federal power and security apparatus. All the facts are in the public domain.

“I cite all above details to shed light on impunity and abuse of power as a major impediment to a virile national and subnational collaboration. As a government Osun State has demonstrated the willingness and readiness for productive partnership and interaction. Despite hostile posturing, Osun is always a top participant in federal peer review of the 36 states. In our engagements with the centre, several federal agencies have recognised Osun’ s positive records in governance delivery.”

The magazine reports that some political analysts claimed that the APC-led government has been using intimidation as a tactic to force some state governors to join the ruling party.

But Adeleke who had earlier been mentioned as one of the governors willing to defect to the ruling party, has suddenly made a-turn saying he will stay with his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

Venerable Opara Appointed New General Secretary Of The Church Of Nigeria, Anglican Communion

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The Source

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October 30, 2025

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The Primate of the Church of Nigeria, The Most Rev’d Dr. Henry Ndukuba has approved the appointment of The Venerable Barr. Festus Opara, PhD, as the new General Secretary of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion.

A document released by the outgoing General Secretary, the Ven. Dr. Paul Dajur, Ven. Opara’s appointment followed a rigorous and merit-based selection process in which he performed excellently and emerged as the most suitable candidate for the office.

His appointment, according to a statement signed by Korede Akintunde, Communication Officer, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, became necessary after the outgoing General Secretary, Dr. Dajur, was elected the Bishop of the newly created Diocese of Keffi-Karshi Missionary Diocese in September.

The General Secretary serves as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Church, working closely with the Primate to ensure the effective coordination of the Church’s national activities, communications, and governance in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Church of Nigeria.

His appointment takes effect from Saturday, 1 November 2025.

The Primate expressed his confidence that the passion, dedication, and wealth of experience will greatly contribute to his work in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, and prayed that the Lord who has called him to this role will grant him wisdom, grace, and strength to serve faithfully to the glory of His Name and for the good of His Church.

Change Of Guards At Defence House As Musa Hands Over To Oluyede

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Ayodele Oni

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October 30, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, on Thursday, assumed duty as the 19th Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), following the confirmation of his appointment by the National Assembly, along with other service chiefs.

Speaking at the brief handing and taking over ceremony at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja, Gen. Oluyede reaffirmed his total commitment to the defence and security of the nation from insurgent activities.

Gen. Oluyede acknowledged the nature of threats confronting the nation, ranging from terrorism, insurgency, and banditry to emerging cyber, aerial, and maritime security challenges, which require the military to be ever vigilant, innovative, and united.

“My leadership will therefore be guided by the principles of professionalism, jointness, discipline, innovation, and accountability.

“We shall build on the achievements of my predecessor by strengthening synergy among the services and defence agencies.

“We shall also enhance intelligence-driven operations and deepen collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies. Our objective, which is to restore and sustain peace, stability, and national cohesion in every part of our dear country, remains uncontestable.”

Gen. Oluyede, while promising to sustain the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other forms of criminality in the country, expressed optimism that whatever challenges the nation is currently facing, success will be achieved.

“We will prevail as a nation. It is a battle that must be fought on multiple fronts, and crucial among them is the battle space of public trust, information, and national morale.”

The CDS added that, apart from welfare for officers and men, he would prioritise capacity building, research, and technological innovation to enhance operational efficiency and strategic foresight.

“In doing so, we shall leverage the resources and intellect available across our defence institutions, as well as partnerships with local and international stakeholders. To our gallant soldiers, ratings, airmen, and airwomen, you remain the pride and backbone of our armed forces.”

Earlier, the outgoing CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa, said his tenure was challenging but incredibly rewarding.

According to him, “We faced a complex and dynamic security landscape, but we confronted it with unwavering resolve, guided by our constitutional mandate and a shared vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria.

“We pursued a philosophy of jointness, people-centricity, inter-agency cooperation, and kinetic synergy.

“Under my watch, we worked tirelessly to deepen the integration of our Army, Navy, and Air Force. The establishment of Joint Task Forces across our theatres of operation stands as a testament to our commitment to a unified approach,” Musa said.

Gen. Musa lauded the role played by the media during his tenure, describing it as an invaluable ally of the military and a vital bridge between the front lines and the public—standing tall for the realities on the ground against the propaganda of the enemies, and carrying the stories of the troops’ courage, resilience, and sacrifice in the face of immense adversity.

“Emergence Of New Armed Groups Major Concern For Nigerians” – President Tinubu

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Ayodele Oni

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October 30, 2025

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President Tinubu decorates new service chiefs

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria’s major concern is the emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South, charging the new Service Chiefs to rise up to the challenge.

The president spoke on Thursday in Abuja while decorating the Service Chiefs with their new ranks.

Tinubu, who praised the armed forces about successes recorded in onslaught against banditry, charged that “As your Commander-in-Chief, I am entrusting you with a tremendous responsibility—one that you must approach with the highest standards of commitment and dedication.

“Today’s ceremony is beyond the symbolism of decoration. It marks the beginning of our renewed effort to ensure the peace and security of all Nigerians. Each of you has been carefully selected for this critical task.

“Security is an essential element without which everything else is rendered meaningless. There cannot be sufficient development if this fundamental aspect of human need is unmet. Our people and our nation must remain secure to enjoy the benefits of governance.

“The government’s foremost duty is to protect the citizens. Over the years, our military has remained steadfast in defending our nation’s territorial integrity, with many soldiers paying the ultimate price for their service.

” In dark times, when terrorists and armed marauders held significant portions of our land, our gallant armed forces rose to the challenge and reclaimed those occupied territories.

“We have restored peace to many areas previously under siege, rescued countless kidnapped citizens, and significantly diminished the capacity of the terror groups.

“I thank our armed forces for their patriotism, diligence, and dedication to their duty. As your Commander-in-Chief, I sincerely appreciate your sacrifices, as I have repeatedly acknowledged.

“However, challenges remain. Security threats are constantly evolving, constantly mutating. Of grave concern to our administration is the recent emergence of new armed groups in the North-Central, North-West, and parts of the South.

“We must not allow these new threats to fester. We must be decisive and proactive. Let us smash the new snakes right in the head.

“I charge you, as the heads of our nation’s armed forces, to carry out your duties with patriotic zeal. Nigerians expect results, not excuses.

“I charge you also to be innovative, pre-emptive, and courageous. Let’s stay ahead of those who seek to threaten our peace. Let us deploy technology where necessary. We cannot allow the crisis that began in 2009 to persist any longer.”